WHAT'S HOT underfoot

As it takes up a large portion of your home, choosing the right flooring is important. We chatted to the experts about some of the latest trends

- Lisa Van Der Knaap

VINYL

MAKING A STATEMENT “Today’s luxury vinyl tiles and planks (LVT/ Ps) are resilient, yet modern, stylish and affordable,” explains Roxanne Mancini, editor and business manager of FLOORS in Africa magazine and the Great Flooring Guide. There are also various stain-, scuff-, and UV-resistant options for LVT/Ps – a must for high

BEST FOR All rooms in the house, as it can mimic virtually any flooring type like wood, marble, fabric and more. However, be mindful of how the rooms will connect if you install different patterns in your home.

GOOD TO KNOW “A smooth, level substrate is very important. They’re generally more economical than the real thing and if there’s any damage, you’ll only need to replace a small section or plank, as opposed to the entire floor,” says Roxanne.

EXPECT TO PAY “From around R218/m2 for bottom end vinyls and from R551/m2 for top end. On average, installation can cost from R75/m2 to R109/m2 ,” says Tara Barker, marketing coordinator at Top Carpets and Floors.

CARPET

MAKING A STATEMENT “There is no substitute for a luxurious carpet – and an added benefit is that it absorbs sound,” says Roxanne. “Although stone hues remain popular, take your pick from sophisticated patterns, vibrant shades and unique colour combinations. This includes carpeting that mimics parquet, terrazzo, pale pastels and cool metal tones,” she adds.

BEST FOR Rooms such as bedrooms, living rooms and indoor entertaining areas where the goal is to soften the space. A good carpet needs a layer of padding for strength, extra cushioning and support, so invest in a good underlay, which also conceals any imperfections in the subfloor.